"Antioch, pr. name I. Antioch, the metropolis of Syria, where the disciples first received the name of Christians II. Antioch, a city of Pisidia, Acts 13:14; 14:19; 2 Tim. 3:11. See PhotoGuide."
Definition and meaning
Antioch, pr. name I. Antioch, the metropolis of Syria, where the disciples first received the name of Christians II. Antioch, a city of Pisidia, Acts 13:14; 14:19; 2 Tim. 3:11. See PhotoGuide.
In the original Greek the word is written: Ἀντιόχεια
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of antiocheia (G490) across the King James Bible.
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
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Common questions
Strong's G490 (antiocheia) is a Greek word that means: Antioch, pr. name I. Antioch, the metropolis of Syria, where the disciples first received the name of Christians II. Antioch, a city of Pisidia, Acts 13:14; 14:19; 2 Tim. 3:11. See PhotoGuide. It appears 17 times in the King James Bible.
The word antiocheia (G490) appears 17 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G490 is antiocheia, a Greek word defined as: Antioch, pr. name I. Antioch, the metropolis of Syria, where the disciples first received the name of Christians II. Antioch, a city of Pisidia, Acts . James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
antiocheia is a Greek word found in the New Testament.